Reading are good enough to survive in the Premier League, says former skipper Murty

Former Reading star Graeme Murty is backing the club’s
current crop of stars to hold their own in the Premier League should they win
promotion on Monday.

The Royals take on Swansea in the Championship play-off final
at Wembley as they look to secure a return to the top-flight for the first time
since 2008.

The final is worth £90million to the winner, presenting
itself as the biggest financial prize in football due to the huge increase in
revenue from television rights, higher gate receipts and increased commercial
income.

Premier calling: Murty (left) in action for Reading during their top flight campaign in 2007

Ex-skipper Murty claimed the club would still aim to add to
the squad should they achieve promotion but was highly confident the existing
side was good enough to survive at the top, citing cup wins at Everton and
Liverpool in the last couple of years as examples.

He said: ‘I have no doubt whatsoever. I think they will
strengthen if they go up but I think the spine of the team is good and strong.
They would not get overawed, we have seen them go to Premier League teams and
win and that makes them dangerous.

‘They have shown they are a good cup side but even on a big
stage such as Wembley they know what they are doing. When they are under
pressure, when they are creating pressure they know collectively and
individually within the framework of the team how to get the job done. I
wouldn’t be surprised to see the team manage in the Premier League.’

Murty was skipper when Reading secured automatic promotion
to the Premier League in 2006, and is fondly remembered by fans during his
spell from 1998-2009 where he played 333 games.

With this in mind Sportsmail asked the 36-year-old defender
to assess the likely starting XI that Royals fans will be pinning their Premier
League dreams too.

Adam Federici

He’s been very good this season. He is a great shot stopper,
technically very sound but his delivery from back to front is outstanding,
different class. His accuracy and speed in his kicking is key to how Reading
can counter-attack.

Andy Griffin

A player with a very cool influence on the players in front
and around him. He will use his experience to get the lads through the game. I
think it’s going to be vital that Reading have experienced players at the back
and through the team.

Matt Mills

A big character who was exceptional against Cardiff where he
led the team very, very well. He is brave and strong and he is going to be key
to keeping the team focused. He is going to be a key talker along the back four
for what is a very big occasion.

On guard: Khizanishvili (left) has proved reliable alongside Mills at the back

Zurab Khizanishvili

He has settled very well since joining on loan judging by
the fact Brian McDermott has kept him in the side. His partnership with Mills
has been very impressive and very solid. He knows how to play in big games with
the hunger and the atmosphere and it won’t come as a surprise to him.

Ian Harte

An absolute wonder of a left foot! His service to Kebe,
McAnuff and Long has been absolutely integral. I think he has surprised a few
people by how good a season he has had. A big-game player who is more than just
a set-piece specialist.

On target: McAnuff (right) scored during the semi-final win over Cardiff

Jobi McAnuff

A player who can get forward and score goals and I will be
looking at him to take a key role by taking more of the game. We all know he can
do it in fits and starts but I would love to see him boss the game for 90
minutes, he is capable and has the potential to do so.

Jem Karacan

Possesses fantastic energy as a box-to-box midfielder.
Despite his young age he has been a bit of a leader in the team and he always
wants the ball, never gives in and it’s a trait that all younger players should
have. He is a very hard working player.

Mikele Leigertwood

He has been fantastic and has combined well with Karacan. He
can break up play very well but is also a very calm passer of the ball. He will
prove key to turning over the ball especially the way Reading counter-attack. A
cool head who has the experience.

In doubt: Reading will be keen for Kebe (right) to start the final

Showing the kids how it's done: Murty in his role as ambassador for npower's Home Team Heroes initiative

Jimmy Kebe

Every fan will hope he is fit, he is something different
with his out-and-out sheer pace and is electrifying especially when
Reading counter. This season he has added goals to his repertoire and is a big
reason the team are in the play-offs with his late run of form.

Noel Hunt

He is a confident the lad who has the potential to play
alongside his brother [Stephen] in the Premier League. There is strength to his
game, he is fantastic in the air which a lot of people don’t give him credit
for. He is brave, scores goals and is a brilliant foil for Shane [Long] in
attack.

Shane Long

The key-man in the entire tie, if Swansea can keep him quite
they have a better chance but if he has an impact on the game Reading will win.

He has great power and pace and has just got better under Brian’s tutelage, who
has made him a more rounded player.

His goals have taken the headlines and he
is the cutting edge of what the club are trying to do.I think he has impressed a lot of people higher up. If Reading
don’t go up I will be surprised if a number of clubs don’t come straight in for
him.

Manager: Brian McDermott

An underrated boss. A modest and quiet guy but the players
love, respect and play for him as a team. You only had to see their reaction when
they got to Wembley, they ran straight to him as they know he has been a major
reason for the turnaround in their fortune.

Graeme Murty was speaking from the Madejski Stadium in
Reading as an ambassador for npower’s Home Team Heroes initiative. Home Team
Heroes is a £2million community initiative which will run over the course of
npower’s three year sponsorship with the Football League, helping each of the
72 clubs in England and Wales.